Summary Offences Act 1981

Offences resembling forgery or fraud

15: Seeking donations by false pretence

You could also call this:

"Asking for donations by lying can get you in trouble"

Illustration for Summary Offences Act 1981

You can get in trouble if you ask for donations by lying. If you solicit or collect money by being dishonest, you might go to prison for up to 3 months or pay a fine of up to $1,000. This applies to anyone who gathers money by false pretence.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM53552.

This page was last updated on 11 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Crime and justice > Criminal lawMoney and consumer rights > Consumer protection

14B: Access to spraycans in shops to be restricted, or

"Shops must keep spraycans out of reach to prevent kids taking them."

16: Acting as medium with intent to deceive, or

"Pretending to have special powers to get money or gifts is against the law."

15Seeking donations by false pretence

Every person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 who solicits, gathers, or collects alms, subscriptions, or contributions by means of any false pretence.

Compare

1927 No 35 s 52(1)(c)
1954 No 50 s 40(1)
1967 No 154 s 2(1)